JAMAICA: PROPOSED RE-OBLIGATION OF INCLE FUNDS TO

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000233 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR INL/LP (BOZZOLO),INL/RM/MS AND WHA/CAR (TILGHMAN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR KCRM ASEC JM SUBJECT: JAMAICA: PROPOSED RE-OBLIGATION OF INCLE FUNDS TO MEET URGENT SECURITY REQUEST REF: KINGSTON 00124 ¶1. (U) This is an action message. ¶2. (SBU) In response to the GOJ,s request for urgent security assistance (see reftel),the Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS) has developed an immediate procurement plan for which we would like INL concurrence. The plan was prepared in close consultation with Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin. ¶3. (SBU) NAS already planned to purchase surveillance equipment and surveillance vehicles. However, the number of vehicles to be procured has expanded due to the Commissioner,s request for specific assistance to the newly joined National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and Operation Kingfish. In addition, Lewin requested our help in funding computer equipment required for a remote video system that will permit victims and witnesses to identify suspected criminals via the video system. NAS would be funding this in conjunction with the British government. ¶4. (SBU) In order to accommodate planned procurements, NAS will need to re-obligate funds, as well as use residual balances from earlier procurements. Lewin has agreed to major de-obligations which include MEMEX software, a Marine Police Dock, and refurbishment of a building in Montego Bay to house the Airport Interdiction Task Force. Full implementation of this proposal will require a total of USD 450,743 of INCLE funding. ¶5. (SBU) The proposed major re-obligations are as follows: Surveillance equipment - $45,000 needed. Three surveillance vehicles for military intelligence - $75,000 needed. Funding for these items would come from de-obligating $59,000 in FY-05 Port Security money that was sub-obligated to purchase MEMEX software. An added $63,000 in FY-05 and 06 Port Security money sub-obligated for the purchase of a mobile x-ray van for the Contraband Enforcement Team would be used. Remote Video System - $120,000 needed. Funding would come from $48,500 of FY-05 and 06 Interdiction funds previously earmarked for the Maritime Police,s marine dock; $66,000 of FY-06 Law Enforcement money sub-obligated for MEMEX; and $5500 from residual amounts of FY-05 Law Enforcement money. Additional Eight Surveillance Vehicles (2 for Narcotics Police/Vetted Unit, 2 for Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team, and 4 for NIB/Kingfish) - $210,743 needed. The only large re-obligations of funds would come from $60,000 FY-04 Port Security funds sub-obligated for the Montego Bay Task Force. The balance would come from residual funds left over from FY-04 through FY-06 procurements. ¶6. (SBU) Commissioner Lewin advised NAS Director that he prefers to use a local and less costly software, rather than MEMEX . He said there is no point in providing a marine dock for Marine Police when most of their in-shore boats are inoperable, even though they are new. It was mutually agreed that there was no need to go forward with assistance on providing a building for the Montego Bay Task Force at this time. We will wait until we can determine that the Task Force in Kingston takes full advantage of the building supplied to them, before considering doing the same thing in Montego Bay. There also may be alternatives to NAS funding for that office. ¶7. (SBU) The Ambassador will formally respond to Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Baugh,s request for urgent security assistance as soon as we receive INL,s concurrence with this proposal. With the exception of the funding request for remote video equipment, NAS already planned to fund surveillance equipment and vehicles, but at a reduced scale. HEG